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Sunday, September 24, 2017

A Viewer Writes: Overdoses

11 overdoses and 2 fatalities in a week in Crisfield. One guy literally rolls out of a car dead in front of an entire crowd of people. Another overdose death since then in Somerset County. And still nothing is being done to address this problem. The health officer didn't even know about the overdoses or deaths. Where is all the money going that the Governor is throwing at the problem? Wicomico has a really good program in place. Worcester is on it and has a community group growing to help. Somerset continues to drag its feet and let people die, and won't tell anyone what is wasting its money on. Clearly, the health officer is clueless and doesn't care. How many more people have to die on his watch?

OH; but the chief says crime is down! Give me a break, the city officials ignore the problem as well. There are more crimes than ever due to addicts having to steal to support their habit and the police ignore it. Crime cannot possible be down so wake up Mayor and city council, don't believe what the chief says, the people know better.

In the end, everyone is responsible for themselves. You are responsible for your own bad choices in life. So how can you expect any other person or government, or anything to help you if you choose not to listen? You chose to do drugs no one else made that decision for you. So you and only you have to choose to stop. No amount of money thrown at it will solve the problem.Junkies and addicts have made their choice in life now they have to either live or die by that choice.

Sadly there are so many 1st timers that make bad choices and aren't so lucky to survive that choice because they die! In my opinion this is another type of terror attacks from within. The dealers know the history these drugs and how easy its get people hooked and the money is insane. Damn shame we have figured out how to stop it.

The Mayor of Crisfield is a big democrat only interested in green energy (as long as someone else pays for it) and government handouts!When Sandy hit there was a perfect opportunity to rid the area of the crime ridden section 8 housing know as the projects that sits adjacent to the marina on waterfront property. The government came in and actually boxed up the inhabitants belongings for them , fixed the units with all brand new construction and appliances and then unpacked their belongings for them. Guarantee that didnt happen in Texas or Florida! Now the mayor wants to open an 80 ton a day manure plant at the entrance to the city on the main road coming into town at the old Carvel Hall factory.There is a windmill in town,new library and several bricked streets that still flood all done with grant money.Crisfield is run with the same mentality as baltimore, chicago and hartford

I agree 11:53. It's a shame that politicians have convinced a lot of folks that grant money is free money. A lot of people just do not think about where grant money comes from. It comes right out of the tax money that we pay to the state and federal government so obviously it's still our money no matter what you call it. It real ly seems like towns are addicted to grant money just like a drug addict, they can't stop getting and using it. It's really a sad thing that they act like beggars and panhandlers always asking for a hand out.

Maybe that's why the inspector general's office is looking so closely at the health department - trying to find the trail of misused grant money. Maybe they should look at the administrator and all of the judgements against her and her husband. The money's going somewhere...

Its amazing how everyone blames everyone else for their mistakes today. I've done my share of screwing up but I've never had the desire to stick a needle in my arm and play Russian roulette. They all know the dope is tainted and still make a conscious choice to chase that ghost. Let them go rid society of the burden, just like all the black on black homicide.

People committing suicide with drugs is not "letting people die." Put the blame where it belongs, on the addicted drug abusers. Throwing taxpayer money at the problem is not the answer to everything that is wrong with people.

I can't say about the Chief because I do believe he is doinh a horrible job but there is one of the city council members that has been talking to community partners about this issue & organized a public meeting tonight at the library

Yes I second that. The place is unethical. They have a poor health officer and the entire administration staff not just the administrator are terrible. They all lie and have many unethical agency practices down to hiring...not shocking they are bring looked at. The employee morale is low I hear as well. The administrator that oversees is a lady named Christie Abbott something. Look her up on case search public info. She has lots of cases house in foreclosure ect..She's terrible and the health officer promoted her she's not qualified and is a liar. Money going to her and hubby???But she in everything and everybody else business!

That entire place is unethical. Most are racist and have even been reported to the state for blatant racist remark and actions. One supervisor got a slap on the wrist for openly talking about "the colored folks" that work there and talk poor of the people they serve in that community. They bought a brand new truck from one Grant and gave it to someone who had nothing to do with that department. They tell bare face lies. They hold back grant money to departments that they don't like and use the money for other things. They need an audit big time. And if it doesn't include getting rid of the top and working down they are wasting their time. Do you think the health officer cares about overdoses. He probably is glad it cuts down on services so they can continue to squander and embezzle money.

Joe, can you please reshare this so it's at the top with latest stories people really need to hear and read what's going on as taxpayers in their county. People share...share...share until we see a change!!!

Actually I think the truth is, they mismanaged so many grants they couldn't afford to keep there mental health. So they gave it all to private entities. Maybe that is the master plan, to let the natural thinking of society and not take the funds so no one sees what a crappy health department they have.

Very true and they are a terrible health department but getting rid of programs won't hide the lies. Its still showing through the work ethic of the people there. As a tax paying county resident you hear lots...Knew something was not right when they recently placed that prevention lady who knows nothing about the opioid epidemic in the lead opioid role. Met her at a few meetings and still things continue to not be done. It's a shame the people they have in position's there. The county has a real issue and the people in place to help are no help at all. County funds can be used in much better places.

Yes, I met her at a meeting last month. She wears short skirts to show her vericose ridden legs and flirts openly whenever men are at meetings. I am from an outside company and she talked about her workers like shit all the time. She used to be in prevention then I don't know what happened to Rhoda she was much easier to deal with. But I went to a meeting last week and she wasn't there. She got demoted or fired or something. She had no business be in charge of anything. I haven't met the new person but I would say it could only get better but it is the health department. They are good at giving community grants but can't keep their mouths shut at community meetings. She even stole an idea from someone on our committee and past it off as her own. They need to fire everyone there. I bet there's lots of people who want to work hard.

Boohoo. So people have to drive to get more drugs shoved on them by the government. Did it ever occur to anyone that methadone, suboxin and vivitrol along with any other Band-Aids are just that. They don't want people to get better. They just want to not feel guilty. How bout Larry Hogan giving money to reward services that get people off all drugs. Not just replacing them with something else. They have no desire for people to be truly sober or they wouldn't need grant money in the first place.

I hope the county is keeping a close eye on the money it gives the health department. Everybody knows they don't spend it all and just keep asking for more. Need to get their auditors over there and really dig. I bet the commissioners would love to have back all of the unspent county money the health department is holding in its bank account.

The leaders of this health department do nothing to help the Somerset County community. This is the county that could benefit the most from a well involved health department. But instead of adding programs they cut them. They got rid of treatment and forced all of the clients to go to the private sector. The health officer is never anywhere to be found. In fact it didn't appear he was at the meeting tonight in Crisfield, but the health officer from Wicomico was. If the state was smart they would put her in charge of Somerset too. He can't even show up to this?

Im from another outside company as well the prevention lady I agree is terrible and has said to mee too how the whole agency including her own staff,and other department supervisors are terrible. She also has made racial statements against her workers. I heard she got demoted not fired...still at the health department in prevention not sure over what because she's a poor supervisor but many of them there are...anytime you talk negative against your staff to someone outside and make racial comments you should not be in a supervisory position, but the health department tolerates crap like this. There was another young girl I met and thought she was over prevention for a short while but heard she's not anymore but was good and worked hard. She probably left too...they can't keep the good ones but entertain the bad. It's a shame.

I dont think agencies tolerate this behavior but for many state agencies it's hard to just fire people which is why much is tolerated. The most they do is demote people in many cases. If it was easier I believe many would be fired. Many state agencies get stuck with bad employees. The folks that have to deal and get stuck with them just tolerate them and hope for early retirement! The health department is not a place I would work or more so just NOT Somerset. Worcester and Wicomico are okay. The few good ones unfortunately get stuck and suffer. That place needs to be restructured starting with the health officer firts, administrator and then all other staff. Until then it won't get better.

I remember a younger black women as well in a meeting about a month or two ago that said she was in charge of prevention. So if they are truly racist, it would make sense why she is no longer in charge. Sharen was the name of the person in charge before that. I never met her because I worked in a different area that didn't deal with grants back then. I was warned by many people in my agency as well as others not to trust her because she is a liar and will throw anyone else under the bus. I don't know who was in charge of opioids because that is not my thing. I guess I will see next month who shows up at our meeting from the health department. I wish someone knew what the hell they were doing. And by the way, we are totally non profit and only take donations and do fundraisers. We do have an area that takes grants for other projects. The county needs to have workers to do their own job and stop paying out grant money. And if they don't have enough people they need to hire people who actually care. Maybe if they actually had to work and really understand the issues in our county, they would know where the money is needed and not just throw it on people so they look like they are doing a good job.

Private agencies would never tolerate any of this crap if all true. But I will say, Its fine if they want to give people a chance but If the supervisors fail to do their jobs why would a peon care. Some people just want a title and could care less about actual human beings

7:56 it's very hard for black people to get anywhere in the health department and they are racist...they do hire blacks in position's but just to meet state minority numbers. Some are more qualified than supervisors for some jobs. Granted you can count them on one hand if you went threw that place. Sharen is prevention and the other lady is under her I believe, but works hard and is very nice. Im sure if not gobe already she wont stay under her. Not sure why it changed from a few months ago but not schocked. You are correct on sharen she apparently left Wicomico health department and the rumor is they were glad to see her go...lots of crap with her and she lies. She's the one that run's the monthly health improvement meetings in which nothing gets done. She was recently over opioid but not anymore nothing was getting done and the county was not impressed with her work. She's a liar and takes credit for others work and ideas. A salary that should be freed up...not sure why she came to Somerset. Hope she retires soon and moves out the way for someone that deserves that position and cares about the people in the county. People are tired of the same o same o.

Well 8:30. That is very interesting since there is a high black population in Somerset county. But if it's that unfriendly and racist, decent people of any color probably don't want to work there. My coworker whose been around a lot longer then I have said she never met a black supervisor of any kind in Somerset County.

And I thought I saw a post about taking the Money from the health department and giving it to the county or commission. You are delusional if you don't know they are just as crooked. Crisfield wants no improvement because they don't want any more "trash" only things they see fit and they want to send section 8 up to Princess Anne.

8:30 on 9/20She most certainly worked in Wicomico I worked there for years. Not with her or for her. But she was a big manipulater there as well, racist as well, complainer as well, liar as well. Had a good friend in her department. She spread her toxicity all over the place in other departments talking about her co-workers. Sounds like a personality disorder. Wicomico is full of them or at least used to. I am glad I'm retired and glad I don't have to deal with dumb shit. I did however enjoy my time working for the state. I left before she did so I don't know if they pushed her out or not. I'm shocked she still works for the state at all.

Racism, intimidation, sexual harassment, incompetence, fraud... it's all right there in the open at the Somerset health department. Somebody has to just care enough to do something about it. I hear multiple complaints have been filed with the state. Curious to see if the state does anything about it.

While I know a lot of this information is accurate, the State can't do anything if you just complain on social media. The problem is, everyone wants to complain but no one wants to step up to the plate and file an actual complaint in the appropriate fashion. I am trying to be compassionate and understand how frustrated people must be to not only air dirty linnen but to take it below the belt and name call. Name calling might make you feel better temporarily, but it still won't solve the problems. Whether you work fo Somerset or are with an outside agency, file your complaints to the proper people.

As far as you people who obviously don't have an understanding of addiction, I hope you never have to deal with it on a personal level. Those are still someone's children and someone's parents that are dying out their. And maybe it's easy and self righteous of you to sit on your comfy couches and type and judge. It would be easy and cruel to say another one dead another problem gone. Unfortunately it trickles down to those left behind. It would be great if just the abuser was affected, but that's just not the case.

I don't think the health care industry forced those pills down their throats. Addiction is a horrible thing and addicts have only themselves to blame. I am tired of druggies crying and blaming everyone else for their problems. Let them OD and get them out of the gene pool. Their deaths will cause some pain to their loved ones but that pain is nothing compared to a lifetime of dealing with an addict. The only addicts I do feel sorry for are those born into addiction because their selfish disgusting parents are addicts. The truth hurts and the truth will set you free.

11:57 AM Sorry but that is NOT the truth. Big Pharma knew how addicting the drugs were. Its not as simple as you profess. Fact is a lot of people who were given legal prescriptions ended up being junkies because their doctors continued to give them drugs and then cut them off after they were already addicted.

You need to educate yourself. Your ignorant perception is a large part of the problem.

The other issue is that rehabs are a ruse and get paid to do nothing because there is a high failure rate. Just ask any parent that has put their child in multiple rehabs and still have a junkie on their hands.

Until Crisfield police pull their heasds out of the sand and put away a certain gold chain wearing dreadlocked kingpin, it will never stop. Everyone knows who is bringing it here ,it doesnt take a genius to know that a man who never works but has several cars is a criminal.The same guy who has lawsuits against the police!Furthermore, those of you who think all junkies should die, you can just go to hell! Last week I held the hand of a mother who is burying her child way too young BC of this poison. Its easy to make comments like you do when you haven't been affected by it. Have some damn respect for the loved ones left behind!

As I stated nobody forced those pills down their throats. What part of that don't you understand? The problem today is that people are weak. I am not ignorant of the issue, i understand it fully. The thing that angers me is the junkies make their problem into our problem. More tax money that could be spent on schools, roads, water and sewer systems and many more projects for the public good is wasted on this issue. It isn't the communities fault that these people became addicts and the community should not get the bill. It's bad enough that many of them steal from us to sustain their habits. Now we are expected to pick up the tab once again to rehab them. Sorry that's not how it should work. Bleeding hearts like you should have all of your salary taken away to pay for your good intentions. Let your money be wasted.

I have read a few comments about bad choices and wah wah.... I pray that none of those people who make such comments ever have to go through what a family goes through when dealing with an addict. You obviously don’t have a clue what they go through or their struggles not to use. Yes there are some addicts that try and try and try and try to quit. But until you know what that person had been through and why they struggle you have no right to judge. Oh why don’t they just quit. Well if it were that simple I don’t think we would be dealing with such an epidemic. BEFORE YOU JUDGE TRY READING UP ON ADDICTION!

I say, put them ALL in jail like they did the crackheads. I'm tired of my tax money being used to treat dope-fends who don't want to be helped. This country is full of prescription and non-prescription dope-fends. Let them rot in jail.

Dem's want to give out clean needles, safe houses while I pay through the nose for health care. Nar-can or how ever it is spelled, free to druggies while my Rx to keep me alive is $$$$$$$$$$ Then you have the Druggies stealing everything they can get their hands on. Anyone dumb enough to try that stuff deserves to die.

I sure hope that ADDICTION does not touch and of the folks that have made such negative comments! This is an epidemic and yes you are right, ADDICTS steal, lie, cheat, all of it... But man, do read comments like just let them die because they've made their bed... just hope it never becomes your son, daughter, wife, husband.....

There is a problem instead of calling people names try to help by fixing it will will never get anywhere with these attitudes You need to lift the STIGMA on this problem. ALSO THEY NEED TO PUT THE DEALERS AWAY WHERE THEY BELONG as long as their selling drugs it well never go away the EASTERN SURE WILL BE LIKE THE WALKING DEAD. IT heading in that direction. Wake people help instead of slinging names around. Ignorance is bliss.